"Who should I be when I grow up?" Is a question I've always had. I guess it all
started when I graduated. This is the time when you have the whole world ahead
of you. My mom said to me. "Look up at the sky,
your future goes beyond what you can see. You're standing here right now looking
upwards and you have the choice to make that into however you want it to be.
It's your sky baby and it's out there waiting for you." So as I looked up at the
sky and imagined who I could be, I asked my parents "who should I be when I grow
up?" They told me there are a few important things to remember while
painting my future. "First I want to start with the most cliche fatherly advice I
could give you." said my father. "Start saving now! Even if it's $20 a month $10
a month, you will thank yourself later. It's not just about having
something to fall on to in case of a rainy day, but it's also an important
lesson in learning the value of money." "Set small goals as well as big goals" said
my mother. "It's true that you may never know what life will hand you and maybe
you won't be able to meet some of those goals. But goals give you a direction to
go. Without them you're just wandering around looking for something to grab
onto." "You will make mistakes."
My father said as he grabbed my face with his right hand. "Sh*t happens
sweetie. The most important thing is that you learn from your mistakes. If you feel
bad just let yourself feel bad. Cry as much as you want, lock yourself in your
apartment, lay in bed, eat pints and pints of ice cream, and think about what you've
done. Feel what you should feel, but DON'T
dwell. You don't want to live in the past for the rest of your life. Pick yourself
back up and tell yourself that you are a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman and
that you will succeed!" Then he kissed my forehead. "Dad!" "Oh that's also important..."
"Listen to yourself, your gut, your feelings, your body."
My mom got us back on track. As always! "Sometimes there are so many things
happening around you or so many things going on in your life that you can't
understand your feelings or hear what your gut or body is telling you. If you
notice that you're getting sick much more often than before, maybe you're
pushing your body too hard. Or if you notice that you feel a lot sadder or
angrier than you used to be, then that's usually a sign that something needs to
change. Try to always stay in tune with yourself. You are the only
person who knows what's best for you and what will keep your mind, body and spirit,
happy and in sync. And don't be afraid to take a break." "You are who you hang out
with." My father looked intensely at me. "Take a good look at those around you and
those you allow into your life. They will influence you even if you don't
necessarily take their advice. Their ideas, beliefs, hobbies, everything will
rub off on you somehow. Be nice to everyone, be kind to everyone but that
doesn't mean that everyone deserves a place in your life. There are some
negative and toxic people in this world, don't let them drag you down with them.
Life is a competition. Work, friendships, love... unfortunately, but it is. Some people
may be more advanced than you, they may have had better opportunities or just better
luck. Sometimes it's just luck. TIMING IS EVERYTHING.
But there is no need to compare yourself to them. They are not you and this is one of
the most beautiful things about this world. We have different things that make
us beautiful and different chances that take us down different paths. It's always
a surprise and that's something that we should always cherish!" My mom is such a
positive person. She continues, "honey do you have anything else you want to tell
her? She asked my dad. "Hmmmmm" he looks deep in thought. "At the moment,
"no." "Okay. Well then I have one more and it's the most important one so listen
VERY WELL. No matter what happens, no matter where you are in your life, and
who's there with you. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LOVE YOURSELF THE
MOST. Now I'm not saying that justifies taking advantage of people.
I'm not saying be selfish. I'm saying, you must LOVE yourself. What that means to
you is a big step in what you will learn in your own life. But just remember that
you are the most important decision-maker for yourself and for your
happiness. Whatever you decide to do will affect you the most. So you have to
figure out if it'll make you happy or if it's what you want for yourself now and
in the future. You are the only person who knows yourself the most. What will
hurt you, what will push you too hard, what do you believe in, what will help
you grow. what make you happy. You are the only one who
knows. No one else can decide that for you. So get to know yourself, take care of
yourself, and love yourself. You're the only one who can do that best. After my
mom said that, they both hugged me really hard and said, " of course we love
you and we'll always be here for you too. The world is out there waiting for you!
Now go and get it! My parents are so weird... After they said that, they just ran
away as if I was leaving right now in this very moment. But you know what? I do
really feel like I can take on the world. What about you? Are you in the same
position as me? What do you think about their advice? Or
maybe you've already graduated and have something to add? Let us know in the
comments and don't forget to share with family and friends!!